The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a crucial qualification for heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus, and coach drivers. With significant changes on the horizon in 2024 and 2025, it’s essential for drivers and employers to understand the updates to ensure compliance.

Whether you’re a driver or an organisation employing professional drivers, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about staying qualified, returning to driving, and the new CPC options.

What is driver CPC and why is it important?

Driver CPC is a professional qualification that ensures drivers are skilled, safe, and up to date with industry standards. It is mandatory for most professional drivers operating HGVs, buses, or coaches. Without it, drivers cannot legally operate these vehicles for work, and businesses employing non-compliant drivers risk fines and operational disruptions.

Why these changes matter: The updated Driver CPC framework balances safety with flexibility, recognising the diverse needs of UK-based and international drivers. Employers now have more tailored options for training, while drivers benefit from a simplified and efficient system.

Key updates to driver CPC in 2024/2025

Recent consultations have resulted in updates to Driver CPC, making it more flexible, especially for those driving only within the UK. Here’s an overview of the most important changes:

• New qualification categories: International Driver CPC and National Driver CPC.
• More training flexibility, especially for National Driver CPC.
• Streamlined processes for returning drivers.
• Updates to Driver CPC cards.

These changes aim to simplify compliance while maintaining high safety and training standards.

How to stay qualified: new options from 3rd December 2024

From December 2024, drivers will have two main options for maintaining their qualification:

1. International driver CPC

This is the traditional format of Driver CPC, with no changes to the existing system. It allows drivers to operate in both the UK and the EU.

• Requires 35 hours of training every five years.
• Training sessions must be a minimum of 7 hours each.
• Split courses must be completed over two consecutive days.
• A maximum of 12 hours of e-learning is allowed.

1. National Driver CPC

This new, flexible option is designed for drivers who only operate within the UK.

• Requires 35 hours of training every five years.
• Courses must be at least 3 hours 30 minutes long, with no consecutive-day requirement for split courses.
• 100% e-learning is permissible, provided courses are approved.
• Allows up to 12 hours of eLearning toward the 35-hour requirement.

Summary of qualification options:

Qualification Type	Driving Territory	Training Hours Required	Training Format
International Driver CPC	UK and EU	35 hours every 5 years	In-person, split courses, or e-learning (up to 12 hours).
National Driver CPC	UK Only	35 hours every 5 years	In-person or full e-learning, with flexible formats.

Drivers and employers can choose the most suitable option based on their operational needs.

Getting qualified: initial driver CPC

When drivers pass the qualifying tests, they automatically receive International Driver CPC, allowing them to drive in both the UK and the EU. After five years, the type of training they complete will determine their qualification category.

Returning to professional driving: changes from 1st February 2025

For drivers whose CPC has expired, new pathways make it easier to return to professional driving.

1. If CPC Expired Between 60 Days and 2 Years ago

Drivers in this category have four options:

Option 1:

• Complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training.
• Regain qualification to drive in the UK and EU.

Option 2:

• Complete 35 hours of National Driver CPC training.
• Regain qualification to drive in the UK only.

Option 3:

• Take a 7-hour “return to driving” module as part of International Driver CPC training.
• Regain UK driving qualification immediately.
• Complete 28 additional hours of training within 12 months to drive in the EU.

Option 4:

• Take a 7-hour “return to driving” module as part of National Driver CPC training.
• Regain UK driving qualification immediately.
• Complete 28 additional hours of training (National or International Driver CPC) within 12 months.

2. If CPC Expired Over 2 Years Ago

Drivers must complete 35 hours of training (International or National Driver CPC) to regain their qualification.

Driver CPC cards: updates from 3rd december 2024

The rules around carrying Driver CPC cards remain unchanged. So, drivers must always carry their card when operating vehicles professionally. However, the type of card will differ based on the chosen qualification:

International driver CPC card

• Identical to the current CPC card design.

National driver CPC card

• Similar to the current design but will include the text “DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY.”

Drivers qualified for both categories may hold two cards, especially if they drive different vehicle types or operate across multiple regions.

Key takeaways for employers

As an organisation employing HGV or bus drivers, it’s critical to adapt to these changes efficiently:

1. Review driver requirements: Determine whether your drivers need International or National Driver CPC.
2. Plan ahead: Ensure training deadlines are met to avoid fines or operational downtime.
3. Partner with experts: Collaborate with training providers like HGVC to manage your driver qualification programmes seamlessly.

What happens if your training deadline is before december 2024?

If your training deadline falls before the new system is introduced, you must complete the current Driver CPC requirements to stay qualified. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £1,000.

Conclusion

The 2024/2025 Driver CPC changes represent a pivotal shift in how professional drivers and their employers approach qualification and compliance. By understanding the new requirements and planning accordingly, organisations can ensure uninterrupted operations and continued compliance.